When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Typically, it's all the things that are "wrong" with you. Too many wrinkles, flaky skin, drooping eyelids, thinning hair. The mirror is a tool for self-reflection; it can be used for both, self-criticism or self-confidence. Wondering why some days, I see myself as aging gracefully and other days I barely recognize myself, I came across "Mirror Work", a book by Louise Hay.
Little babies love every inch of their bodies; they have no guilt, no shame, no comparison, Hay explains. We all were like that. And then somewhere along the line we start to listened to other voices that told us that we are not good enough. And so we begin to criticize our body, thinking that's where the flaws were. 
In yoga and any other mindfulness-based practice, we learn to become silent witnesses. Once we notice our inner voice, we can take charge. So let's get rid of the negative nonsense to reveal acceptance and love. 

Louise Hay suggests to use the mirror to practice positive self-talk. Famous orators did it. What's good for Winston Churchill might just as well work for you . In front of the mirror, you become your own audience and what you say - preferable out loud - rings true and has the potential to override negative background voices. By repeating affirmations, you are planting seeds in your subconscious mind, and the more often you hear yourself speak them out loud, the more they will sprout and become true for you. Hay recommends repeating each ten times and possibly even writing them down in your journal.

Standing in front of a mirror, get really close and gaze into your own eyes with kindness. It might feel silly first. Trust the process. Take a deep breath to arrive. Choose one eye and look into it as if you could see deep into your soul. Then repeat to yourself:

I love my eyes.
I can see clearly in every direction.
I see with love my past, my present and my future.
My mind choses the way I look at my life.
Today, I see with new eyes.
I see good in everyone and everywhere.
I now lovingly create the life I like to look at.
I love and appreciate my beautiful eyes.

Pause. Let go of any negative feelings that may come up. And then repeat until you sense that you are shifting the words into feelings. Once you arrive at a peaceful acknowledgment, carry on.

I love my appearance.
It suits me perfectly.
No one else looks exactly as I do.
I'm beautiful and become more attractive each day.
I choose thoughts that give forth the way I look.
I love and appreciate my beautiful appearance.

Pause. Notice any resistance, name it, let it go. Then repeat. Feel.

I love my age. 
Each year is precious to me because I only live it once.
Every year from infancy to old age is filled with wonders - I want to experience it all.
I choose the thoughts that make me comfortable with growing older. 
I look forward to each new year as it unfolds before me.
I love and appreciate my age.

Pause. Let it settle. Repeat. Notice what it feels like.

I love my body.
It's a glorious place to live.
I rejoice that I have chosen this body, it's perfect for me in this lifetime.
It's the perfect size, shape and color and it serves me so well.
I marvel at the miracle that is my body. 
I choose the healing thoughts that help me maintain a healthy body and make me feel good.
I love and appreciate my beautiful body.

Pause. Notice. Is there any resistance to believing these thoughts? If so, where does that come from and does it serve you? 

Yoga is the stilling of the turbulences of the mind. The mind's job is to think - like the heart's job is to beat. So we think about 50-70 thousand thoughts a day. 80 percent are negative and barriers to true love. So once you  succeed in quieting your mind, you can plant the seeds that make you - and the world - a better place. You might not be able to change world politics, but you can start with sowing love into your relationships - to yourself, your family, your friends, and your community.

How would our days unfold differently if we all woke up and looked into the mirror with love -  love for our own eyes, our appearance, our age, and our body? Not like narcists, but with a loving kindness that celebrates our individuality.  

Remember that you are, always have been, and always will be made of love.

When we notice that our car doesn't run smoothly anymore, we get it tuned up. When the alignment is off, we get the wheels rebalanced. The same can be true for ourselves. Olga Phoenix's Self-Care Wheel shows six different spokes of wellness: personal, professional, physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual. In which are might you need a little recalibration? 
Let's assess the situation. In terms of your physical self-care, how frequently do you eat regular, healthy, mindful meals? Do you spend quality time in nature at least once a week? Do you take time off when you need it? Are you up-to-date with your preventative health care? Do you get enough sleep? How about your time spent on the phone? When was the last time you danced - even around kitchen table?
Getting enough "me" time to attend to my own needs is something I have to make time for ... as they say, "You can't pour from an empty cup!" From my own experience, I feel so much better on the days I practice what I preach. When I got in even one of my favorite things - cycling, yoga, Pilates on my Reformer or taking my dog out for a walk in the woods - I am so much more able to gracefully navigate the ups and downs of life. 
For my psychological wellbeing, I have to go to museums, listen to classical music, read inspiring books and practice meditation - preferably outside in the sun. I love the smell of essential oils that lift me up. Think about what activities - perhaps journaling - make you feel better? Happiness is a choice we get to make daily. Did you know that smiling uninterrupted for 60 seconds releases dopamine? Start your morning like that and super-charge your mood.
Since it is in our own power to hack our emotions, how about looking in the mirror and telling yourself, "You are gorgeous!" Every morning another chance to create new habits.
Practicing more self-care is an act of self-love. How can we extend love to others if we don't experience enough for ourselves? So be kind and gentle with yourself, show compassion and forgiveness, set healthy boundaries and say, "I love you!" often.